Wheeling Brings Back Forward Zurevinski

2nd-year pro brings scoring, physicality

August 27, 2013

WHEELING - The Wheeling Nailers announced their 11th signing of the 2013 offseason Monday in the form of returning forward Scott Zurevinski.

"Scott is a big, strong power forward, who can play a tough, physical game, while also contributing a good scoring touch," Coach Clark Donatelli said. "Last season, he found his confidence as the season went along and played extremely well for us during the second half, but unfortunately, ran into an injury toward the end."

Zurevinski, 25, returns to the Nailers for his second full season of professional hockey, after finishing second on the team in rookie scoring during the 2012-13 campaign. Zurevinski appeared in 49 games with Wheeling, amassing 12 goals, 13 assists, 25 points, and 46 penalty minutes, while posting a plus-8 rating, which also was second on the team. In addition, the forward posted a pair of four-game point streaks, each including his season-high of three points in a single game.

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Photo by Joe Lovell

Wheeling's Scott Zurevinski

"This season, I am looking to have a better start as I felt like I got off to a slow start last year, and I am also hoping to stay healthy," Zurevinski said. "I want to have a successful year, not only for myself, but for the team as well."

The Saskatoon, SK, native's path to the pros started with the BCHL's Vernon Vipers, where he spent the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons. There, Zurevinski recorded 47 goals, 47 assists, 94 points, and 136 penalty minutes in 96 games, while reaching the BCHL Final in his first season. After that, Zurevinski attended Quinnipiac University for four years, serving as the team's captain for both his junior and senior seasons. While with the Bobcats, the 6-foot-3 forward showed remarkable durability, missing three of 158 games. That allowed for success on the scoresheet, as Zurevinski totaled 46 goals, 46 assists, and 92 points.

"I enjoyed being in Wheeling last year, as I was comfortable, and I feel like it is the quickest way for me to get to the next level," Zurevinski said. "I am looking forward to the new look of the team, and I think that the Wheeling Nailers fans will appreciate the style that the staff is putting on the ice."

At the end of his senior season, Scott joined the AHL's St. John's IceCaps, where he appeared in eight regular-season games.

The Nailers open the 2013-14 regular season at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 against the Elmira Jackals at WesBanco Arena.